The 300SL Today
Today, the 300SL with its unique doors, technological firsts, and low production numbers is considered one of the most collectible Mercedes-Benz models, with prices generally in the US$700,000-1,000,000 range. Sports Car International magazine ranked the 300SL as the number 5 sports car of all time. A pair of 300SLs for sale in 2009 were offered at over $1.3M USD from the Foxwood Collection. In 2012, an ultra rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with an all aluminum body (only 29 made) was sold for US$4.62 million at the Scottsdale Auctions in Arizona.
Subsequent generations of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have been continually produced. The R230 (2002-2011) and the R231 (2012-present) have air inlets in the front fenders which are inspired by the 300SL Gullwing. However, the SL has since evolved to become a more autobahn-focused grand tourer due to increasing weight, especially with its optional V12 engine in later iterations. The last two generations of the SL are hardtop convertibles with technological and comfort amenities, and it also has available heated and cooled seats with a massage function.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is described by Mercedes as a spiritual successor to the 300SL Gullwing. Although there is some overlapping in price and performance with the R230 and R231 SL-Class, the lighter SLS AMG is considered more of a sporty track-oriented car, in the spirit of the 300SL.
Mercedes-Benz also operates the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center that focuses on classic Mercedes-Benz restorations and is recognized as the central authority on 300 SL parts, service, restoration and vehicle trading as they have unique access to original build sheets and factory documentation which enables them to confirm a car's authenticity - a critical factor determining a collector car's true value.
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